08-16-1999 CC MIN
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Members Present:
Members Absent:
Staff Present:
Also Present:
MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 1999
Mayor Klinzing, Councilmembers Dietz, Thompson, Farber and
Motin
None
Lori Johnson, Finance Director; Sandra Peine, City Clerk; Michele
McPherson, Director of Planning; Steve Wensman, Planner; Scott
Harlicker, Sr. Planner; Peter Beck, City Attorney; Michele Bergh,
Interim Community Recreation Director
Louise Kuester, Planning Commission Representative; Stoffel
Reitsma, Park and Recreation Commission Representative
1. Call Meetina To Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof. the meeting of the Elk River City Council
was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Klinzing.
2.
Consider 8/16/99 Council Aaenda
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Lori Johnson added Item # 7.1. to the agenda - Call Special Joint Meeting with Elk
River Municipal Utilities for 8/30/99 at 5:00 p.m.
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN MOVED TO APPROVE THE 8116/99 COUNCIL AGENDA AS
AMENDED. COUNCILMEMBER THOMPSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 5-0.
3. Consider Consent Agenda
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS
FOLLOWS:
3.1.
3.2.
3.3.
3.4.
3.5.
3.6.
e 3.7.
8/9/99 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - APPROVED
REQUEST BY WINDSOR DEVELOPMENT FOR PRELIMINARY PLAT APPROVAL,
SEVEN OAKS, PUBLIC HEARING CASE NO. P 99-9 -- POSTPONED TO 9/20/99
CONSIDER SENIOR CITIZEN SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DEFERRAL REQUESTED BY
JOSEPHINE KOONTZ FOR THE 1998 STREET OVERLAY PROJECT ON PARCEL 75-
460-0160 -- APPROVED
UPDATE ON SEPTEMBER 18,1999, FIRE DEPARTMENT OPEN HOUSE AND
REQUEST TO CLOSE 4TH STREET FROM JACKSON AVENUE TO RAILROAD
DRIVE FROM 7:30 TO 11 :30 P.M. FOR THE FIRE DANCE - APPROVED
REQUEST BY SHERBURNE COUNTY LIONS FOR TEMPORARY 3.2 PERCENT
ON-SALE BEER LICENSE FOR 9/25/99 AT THE SHERBURNE COUNTY
FAIRGROUNDS - APPROVED
REQUEST FROM SHERBURNE COUNTY LIONS FOR TEMPORARY ON-SALE
LIQUOR LICENSE FOR 9/18/99 TO ALLOW SALE OF LIQUOR AT THE ELK RIVER
FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR THE ANNUAL FIRE DEPARTMENT DANCE - APPROVED
REQUEST FOR MARK THOMPSON, ASSISTANT PARK/STREET SUPERINTENDENT
TO ATTEND THE NATIONAL APWA CONFERENCE - APPROVED
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August 16, 1999
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COUNCILMEMBER THOMPSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
4.1.
Boys and Girls Club Update
Council member Daryl Thompson noted that a program director has been hired
for the Boys and Girls Club. He informed the council that the Boys and Girls Club
is the recipient of a $250,000 matching grant. He further noted that the club has
recently received other contributions.
4.2. Utilities Commission Update
Councilmember Dietz updated the council on the 8/10/99 meeting of the Elk
River Utilities Commission. He stated that the Utilities Commission discussed the
combined water/sewer superintendent position. He noted that Commissioner
Zabee has requested that an opinion be obtained from the Attorney General's
Office regarding this issue.
Following council discussion, it was the consensus that an opinion from the
Attorney General's Office would be a long process. It was suggested that the
city's third party attorney contact the Utilities' attorney to discuss the issue and
possibly reach a consensus, which would negate the need of an Attorney
General's opinion.
4.3.
Community Recreation Update
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Council member Motin indicated that the Community Recreation Board
approved the 1999 budget. He indicated that discussions were held by the
Board regarding the possibility of relocating the Community Recreation office at
the Emporium. He further noted that it was the consensus of the Board that the
relocation take place.
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN MOVED THAT THE CITY AGREE TO HOUSE THE COMMUNITY
RECREATION OFFICE IN THE EMPORIUM BUILDING AND THAT THE CITY NOT INCUR
ANY CAPITAL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS RELOCATION. COUNCILMEMBER
THOMPSON SECONDED THE MOTION.
Councilmember Farber stated that he had concerns with the location, due to the
development that will take place across the street. He noted that the
development may be a detriment to the people that need to access the
building. Councilmember Dietz indicated that traffic may not be a problem in
that location, as the people will be visiting the building at off-peak traffic hours.
THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Michele Bergh informed the council that registration growth has increased from
by 26 percent from last year.
4.4.
Northstar Corridor Update
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Scott Harlicker, Sr. Planner, informed the council that the Station Area Planning
Committee reviewed three possible station locations in Elk River. The station
locations are as follows: the east side of Proctor Avenue, the east side of Jackson
Avenue, and the northwest corner of 171 st Avenue. He noted that the preferred
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August 16, 1999
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location of the Station Area Planning Committee is 171 st Avenue. Scott indicated
that the city has until August 20th to comment on the recommended location.
Mayor Klinzing opened up the comments to the public.
Barb Maricle - stated that she favors the downtown location. She noted that she
has concerns about the 171 st Avenue location due to the trucking activities that
take place in that area.
Harold Novotny - noted that he does not feel that the truck traffic will cause any
conflicts with the commuter traffic at the 171 st location, because the trucks will
probably be using the area at different times than the commuters.
The City Council discussed the pros and cons of the downtown location versus
the 171 st Avenue location. It was noted that accessibility to the commuter rail
station could be a problem at the downtown location. Discussion was held
regarding the lack of parking area in the downtown location and the congestion
problems that would take place with the commuter rail station downtown. It was
noted by the council that there would probably be no significant benefit to the
downtown area if the station was to be located there. It was further noted that
the 171st Avenue location would be easier to access.
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Louise Kuester, Planning Commission Representative, noted that the Planning
Commission favored the 171st Avenue location. She stated that the Planning
Commission has concerns with the stacking of traffic in the downtown area and
also felt that the traffic congestion of the commuter parking would overlap with
school traffic. She noted that the Planning Commission also has concerns
regarding design standards for the downtown area, as it did not want an image
of a large parking lot in the city's downtown area.
Stoffel Reitsma, Park and Recreation Commission Representative, stated that if
the city is considering redeveloping downtown that this would be a good
opportunity. He stated that locating the depot at 171 st Avenue is the easy way
out.
It was the consensus of the City Council that it preferred the 171 st Avenue
location, as it was more practical and provided easier access.
The council recessed at 7:05 and reconvened at 7:15.
5. Open Mike
No one appeared for open mike.
6.1.
Reauest bv Novco, Inc. for a Zone Chanae from 11 to PUD, Public Hearina Case
No. ZC 99-6
Request by Novco, Inc. for Conditional Use Permit to Allow Truckina Facility, Public
Hearina Case No. CU 99-27
6.2.
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Michele McPherson presented the staff report for these two issues. She noted
that Harold and Garnett Novotny of Novco, Inc. have requested a rezoning of a
parcel of property from 11 Light Industrial to PUD, Planned Unit Development. She
also noted that the Novotny's have requested a conditional use permit for site
plan improvements to occupy an existing 7,500 square foot building. The
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August 16, 1999
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property is 1.2 acres in size and is located at 11090 171st Avenue. Michele noted
that the Planning Commission recommended approval of both requests and
stated that staff also recommends approval.
Mayor Klinzing opened the public hearings for Items 6.1 . and 6.2.
There being no one to speak on either of these items, Mayor Klinzing closed the
public hearings.
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN MOVED TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 99-28 AMENDING THE
CITY OF ELK RIVER ZONING MAP TO REZONE CERTAIN PROPERTY FROM 11 LIGHT
INDUSTRIAL TO PUD PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT, CASE NO. ZC 99-2 WITH THE
FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. THAT THE REZONING IS CONSISTENT WITH THE CITY'S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
AND ZONING ORDINANCE.
2. THAT THE REZONING WILL NOT CREATE ADVERSE IMPACTS TO ADJACENT USES.
3. THAT THE REZONING IS CONSISTENT WITH THE CITY'S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
STRATEGY TO PROMOTE BUSINESS RETENTION WITHIN THE COMMUNITY.
COUNCILMEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
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COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
REQUESTED BY HAROLD AND GARNETI NOVOTNY OF NOVCO, INC. TO ALLOW SITE
IMPROVEMENTS TO OCCUpy AN EXISTING 7,500 SQUARE FOOT BUILDING WITH THE
FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. CURB AND GUTIER SHALL BE INSTALLED AS INDICATED ON THE PLAN TITLED
"CURBS" AND DATED 6/30/99.
2. CITY APPROVED CURB STOPS SHALL BE INSTALLED AROUND THE AREA NOTED
"CLASS 5" AS INDICATED ON THE PLAN TITLED "EXISTING SITE" AND DATED
6/30/99.
3. IF GRADING OCCURS SOUTH OF THE BUILDING, A GRADING PLAN SHALL BE
SUBMITIED FOR APPROVAL BY THE CITY ENGINEER PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT
OF GRADING ACTIVITIES. THE GRADING PLAN SHALL INDICATE THE USE OF
RETAINING WALLS WHERE NECESSARY.
4. UNDERGROUND IRRIGATION SHALL BE INSTALLED AS INDICATED ON THE PLAN
TITLED "IRRIGATION" AND DATED 6/30/99.
5. LIGHTING SHALL BE INSTALLED AS INDICATED ON THE PLAN TITLED "LIGHTS" AND
DATED 6/30/99.
6. A SIGN PERMIT SHALL BE OBTAINED PRIOR TO CHANGING THE SIZE, MATERIAL,
OR LOCATION OF THE SIGN.
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7. THE APPLICANTS SHALL CONNECT TO MUNICIPAL UTILITIES BY THE FALL OF 2001.
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August 16, 1999
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8. THE LANDSCAPING SHALL BE INSTALLED AS PROPOSED ON THE PLAN FROM
STEVE'S ELK RIVER NURSERY AND DATED 717/99. TREES SHALL BE INSTALLED AT
THE SIZES INDICATED IN THE ORDINANCE.
9. THAT THE PROPERTY BE PLATTED IF, IN THE FUTURE, ADDITIONS OR ALTERATIONS
ARE PROPOSED TO THE BUILDING.
10. NO OUTDOOR STORAGE OF TRASH SHALL BE PERMITTED WITHOUT A PROPER
TRASH ENCLOSURE, BUILT TO COMPLY WITH CITY STANDARDS.
COUNCILMEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
6.3. Reauest bv Citv of Elk River for Ordinance Amendment Reaardina Non-
Conformina Uses
Michele McPherson stated that the City of Elk River has requested approval of an
ordinance amendment to reduce the time frame of compliance of discontinued
non-conforming uses from one year to six months. Michele noted that the 1999
Legislature removed amortization as a tool for cities to remove non-conforming or
undesirable land uses. Michele noted that the Planning Commission voted to
recommend that the City Council approve the amendment as proposed.
Mayor Klinzing opened the public hearing.
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There being no one for or against the matter, Mayor Klinzing closed the public
hearing.
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 99-29 AMENDING
SECTIONS 900.34 AND 900.42 OF THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES CASE NO. 99-13.
COUNCILMEMBER THOMPSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
6.4. Conditional Use Permit Inspection Update
Steve Wensman indicated that he has prepared a compilation of the conditional
use permits, and is in the process of inspecting conditional use permits for
compliance. The council reviewed the conditional use permit inspection log
provided by Steve Wensman.
7. Other Business
7.1.
Call Special Joint Meetina with the Elk River Municipal Utilities
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Finance Director Lori Johnson indicated that the Elk River Municipal Utilities
requested a joint meeting with the City Council on August 30, 1999, at 5:00
p.m. to discuss the issue of a joint sewer/water superintendent. Lori
indicated that a special meeting has already been called for August 30 to
discuss the 2000 budget. It was the suggestion of the council to inform the
Elk River Utilities Commission that it was agreeable to hold a special City
Council/Utilities meeting on September 7, 1999, at 5:00 p.m., following the
September Utilities Commission meeting. Lori Johnson indicated that she
would discuss this issue with the Utilities manager.
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August 16, 1999
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8. Staff Updates
8.1 . Eull Special Assessment Mediation Update
Lori Johnson spoke to the council about the outcome of the Eull special
assessment mediation regarding the east Elk River project assessment
appeal. She indicated that the mediation was successful. She indicated
that a resolution would be presented to the council on September 13th
regarding the outcome of the mediation.
9. Adiournment
There being no further business, the meeting of the Elk River City Council
adjourned at 7:40p.m.
~~~p
Sandra Peine
City Clerk
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